I was just at the postoffice to mail out flys for some swaps to be informed that I can not buy return postage for my flys since they are heading accross international borders. I live in Canada and I need return postage form the USA. I was told it isn’t possible to purchase the proper postage to get my flys returned here.
What do people do to participate in cross border swaps? Is there anything besides sending cash to cover return postage I can do. I don’t like sending cash in the mail, and apparently they don’t do international COD either.
As much fun as tying for these swaps was with the postage hassle I doubt I will bother again unless it is a swap within Canadian Borders.
You should be able to buy IRCs, which are International Reply Coupons. These are good for return postage from/to any country that subscribes to International Mail. We use them in Ham Radio to exchange QSL cards, which are a record of radio exchanges made on the Ham Bands. You will have to have more than one, but that should work.
Thats an excellent Idea, though they told me that they only work for letter mail at the post office. However I was able to work out the postage probelms with the good folks in the swaps so my little problem is solved.
Good to know that there are such great folks that are happy to make special arrangements due to postage problems here on FAOL.
If sending cash does bother you, you can always transfer funds in other ways. There is always paypal or money orders, but the cost can go up. As a sometimes swapmeister, I’d suggest working it out with each host. I’m willing to work things out. I would guess many would even consider a barter of some sort (i.e. flies for postage, etc.). I’m glad to see you sticking with the swaps. Our swap forum seems to be picking up steam IMO, and it is great to see all the new participants.
You can purchase an “International Postal Money Order” from your Postal Service. The International Mail is govern by the International Mail Union (IMU), comprised of the Postal Services of all Countries in the World.
It is the IMU that decides, what services that each country offers, and what mailing restrictions apply. Ask the Window Clerk at your local Post Office, to refer to the International Mailing Manuel, to determine if “International Postal Money Order” is available, and the cost.
~Parnelli
PS: The “IRC” (International Reply Coupon), is good for paying of 1 ounce of Surface Mail, for returning the shipment. You will have to find out what that mean from the person on the other end to real value of exchange. Also determine the cost of shipping back the item as Airmail.
All prices are determined by reciprocal agreements between individual countries, to determine a balance ledger of mail handled by each country to complete the delivery of the mail originating from the other country.
You don’t want to purchase the international reply coupons in Canada. They are a horrendous price that will give you only a single first class stamp back to Canada. That is why hams never cash them but just keep reselling them or exchanging them (‘:)’)
What I have done is purchase US stamps on a trip down there so that I have a stock of them, or to send a money order to some kind sole who will purchase stamps for me, use what is needed for the swap and send the rest back to me to use for other swaps. Many people do not mind doing a favour like that.
Until I was able to get no cost money orders from the bank I never worried about sending a few dollar bills in an envelope (just make sure that they are not visible). I have never lost any, but if I did I figure what I have saved on the cost of money orders would cover the occasional loss.
Excellent Ideas from you all. I figure I’ll just send a combination of cash flies and possibly materials with my swap flies. I was just un aware of the problems I encountered when I first tried to mail everything for my first due swap. I’m currently in two others and have all my problems resolved.
I’ll continue joining swaps and may possibly host one in the future. I think I’ll wait until fall before joining anymore swaps though just due to free time to tie…fishing, work, fishing, brothers wedding, and more fishing…but never enough fishing.
I’ve only been back to fly fishing for under a year after a 15 year break (Was too young at 14 to appreciate the finer things in life) and am fully addicted to all aspects of the sport. Fly fishing is exactly the challenge I was looking for in fishing and I must say the most rewarding fish I have ever caught were are all the rainbows I have landed this year on my Fly rod and on Flys I have tied.
I’m glad to see you sticking with the swaps. Our swap forum seems to be picking up steam IMO, and it is great to see all the new participants.